Golf World Monday - January 23, 2012

1.23.2012

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ernie els didn’t win the volvo golf champions event at the links at fancourt in south africa. but he did the next best thing, losing on the first extra hole to compatriot branden grace. els will surely be disappointed at the outcome, but, in the bigger picture, the play of the three-time major champion—especially on the greens—was heartening indeed. “a couple more putts here and there, and that could have been something special,” he said after a closing six-under 67. “it has been a very encouraging week, all four rounds under par. i’m working on some good stuff.” that’s nice to know. struggles with the putter over the last 18 months or so have seen els plummet to 71st on the world ranking. the 42-year-old veteran needs a fast start to the new season if he is to move into the top 50, a position that would guarantee a 19th successive masters appearance. but if you ask us, he shouldn’t even have to do that. any former world no. 1 who has twice been runner-up at augusta national—and has eight other top- 20 finishes in the year’s first major—is more than worthy of a special invitation. don’t you agree, chairman payne? —John Huggan (@johnhuggan)